World Bank congratulates AKD, looks to deepen relations

by admin
Sep 27, 2024

The World Bank has extended its congratulations to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, while reaffirming its commitment to support Sri Lanka as the country embarks on resetting its economy. In a letter signed by Martin Raiser, Vice President for the South Asia Region, and Riccardo Puliti, Vice President for Asia and the Pacific at the International Finance Corporation, the World Bank reiterated its readiness to assist as Dissanayake leads the nation forward.

"Your election comes at a pivotal moment in Sri Lanka's history," the letter stated. "While the country's economic reset demands continued government attention, the opportunities for growth, prosperity, and development are equally significant. As one of Sri Lanka's longstanding development partners, the World Bank Group reaffirms its strong commitment to fostering inclusive growth, economic recovery, and addressing the pressing needs of the poor and vulnerable."

They also expressed confidence in Dissanayake's leadership, believing it will help Sri Lanka build on its strengths and advance its development agenda.

In addition to the World Bank's congratulatory message, the Korean International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) announced its full support for the current government's transparency initiative. KOICA pledged loan assistance for projects aimed at combating fraud and corruption in Sri Lanka. This commitment was made during a meeting between a KOICA delegation and Secretary to the President, Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, at the Presidential Secretariat earlier today, according to the President's Media Division. Representatives from KOICA emphasized their intention to tailor loan support to meet the country's specific needs.

Similarly today the Japanese government has pledged to resume the construction of 11 stalled projects in Sri Lanka and has promised full support for the new government's development programme, the President Media Division (PMD) said. The Japanese Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Mizukoshi Hideaki, said the Japanese government was committed to fully supporting efforts to combat corruption and irregularities. He expressed readiness to continue close collaboration with Sri Lanka.

Tthese projects include the Kandy City Water Management Project, Phase II of the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) Development Project, the Terrestrial Television Broadcast Digitization Project, the National Transmission and Distribution Network Development Project, Phase II of the Anuradhapura North Water Supply Project, the Rural Infrastructure Development Project, the Kalu Ganga Water Supply Project, and improvements to health and medical services.

 

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This demonstration, which culminated in a rally and speeches in Punchbowl, highlighted the plight of refugees denied permanent visas for over 12 years. Speakers at the event shed light on the profound impact of the current system, including barriers to higher education, employment, and access to essential services.

The protest has now entered its 100th day, with Tamil asylum seekers and their supporters continuing their relentless demand for permanent protection. For 38 days, they camped outside Australia’s Minister for Home Affairs, Tony Burke’s office in Sydney, calling on the government to end the visa limbo that has left many without basic rights and stability. Tamil asylum seekers have been in Australia for over a decade, living on short-term visas that must be renewed regularly. Without permanent residency, they are excluded from Medicare—Australia’s universal health insurance scheme—and are denied the right to work, study, travel, or access essential services. Many are also required to report to visa offices weekly.

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Amaran - Problematic propaganda

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The genre of war epic makes its grand re-entry to Tamil cinema with director Rajkumar Periasamy’s sophomore feature film, ‘Amaran.’ As is often the case with this genre, one cannot help but feel the events of the ‘true story’ onscreen have been heavily modified for easy consumption.

 

 

 

The patriotic military films of Tamil cinema had taken a back seat for a while. The subject matter is now seldom a prominent theme of a film, instead lurking in the shadows peeking through such as via the heroes in the works of Nelson Dilipkumar. The genre of war epic makes its grand re-entry to Tamil cinema with director Rajkumar Periasamy’s sophomore feature film, ‘Amaran.’ As is often the case with this genre, one cannot help but feel the events of the ‘true story’ onscreen have been heavily modified for easy consumption.

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Krishna's rating: 2.5 stars

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Official trailer for film below.

UN Special Committee finds Israel warfare methods in Gaza consistent with Genocide

un_spcial

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(b) Leverage their influence to ensure Israel ceases its policies and practices negatively affecting the human rights of the Palestinian people and other Arabs of the occupied territories;  

(c) Halt all offensive arms transfers, including weapons, explosives, guns and/or ammunition, to Israel;

(d) Hold nationals, including those with dual Israeli citizenship, involved in settler violence or violations in Gaza, accountable for violations of international law;  

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(j) Fully cooperate with the International Criminal Court. 

Read more here

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